A couple days ago, a good friend and I had a discussion about how the days before a LDS mission are a lot like the days before getting married.

In 2009 I came home early from my mission to Rostov, Russia to take care of some things from my past. It was a hard pill to swallow, but I did it knowing it was the right choice. As I prepared to go back out the craziest impulsive thoughts went through my head, like taking my girlfriend and running away to Vegas to elope, or moving to Jamaica to become a sheep herder.

As I look back I see how much Satan didn't want me to go back out on my mission. Round two in Everett, WA I had full intention to do EVERYTHING I could to make up the lost time and the mistake I made to go out unworthy. I did everything in my power to talk to, testify, and invite every human being I saw (litterally) to know the TRUTH that has made me whole and for the first time in my life had brought me true happiness. I believe because of my diligence and obedience God allowed me to become a successful missionary, and had the opportunity to baptize many people. More than anything I was changed and rooted in a belief that has kept me strong even in my weakest post-mission moments.

Where would I be if I had let Satan temp me to elope to Vegas and become a Jamaican Sheep herder? I'm sure I would probably be divorced, full of regret, and upset that I had to protect a bunch of sheep instead of eating them. (Lamb is delicious). More importantly the people I taught may not have had the opportunity to hear the restored gospel, nor receive the subsequent blessings that come with committing yourself to it.